A PESKY crow with a penchant for golf balls is testing nerves at Teignmouth golf club. The big black bird is in hiding near the eighth hole, then swooping down to swipe golf balls, leaving golfers aghast mid-game. The bird, dubbed Russell, after Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, makes off with them in his beak and heads for the trees where he is thought to be storing the treasure. Golfer Edward Pulleyblank, 80, who plays daily from 7am, said the bird was becoming a regular visitor. 'He was about last year, then we didn't see him, but now he's made a return we see him very regularly. 'Luckily I play with old balls so it doesn't bother me so much, but some golfers have had four or five new balls stolen. 'He must have hundreds somewhere,' he said. Mr Pulleyblank said it is quite a sight to watch the bird swoop down. 'We like to see him, he said, 'But it is a funny thing. He must really want the balls because they are quite heavy to carry. 'They could be mistaken as eggs, maybe that's what he's after' he said. Club manager Andy Stubbs said: 'This is the second year running that a very observant crow is spotting these balls just lying there for the taking, much to the annoyance of the regular morning players. 'Anyone who can find where they are stashed away should find quite a nest egg of used golf balls,' he said.
